To the Editor,
Here we are in mid-January and the snow and ice on city sidewalks is only now melting in many places.
You immediately hear the lack of resources mantra when you phone the city to complain.
When I asked about the bylaw regarding shovelling, I was informed the city doesn’t enforce it. Apparently if the city fines someone for not clearing their sidewalk, the city must then clear the sidewalk of snow and ice or face a liability issue. Perhaps the city should issue a snow shovel and ice scraper for the first offence of not clearing a walk. Then the too-easily stated excuse of not having the tools for the job couldn’t be used.
Rather than focusing on fancy buildings that may or may not result in a ‘positive’ legacy for the council, the city should return to emphasizing the provision of basic services to our citizens.
Whether one drives, cycles, buses, uses a mobility aid, or is a full-time pedestrian, everyone must eventually travel on sidewalks and paths. Being able to move safely, without the worry of falling on snow and ice, should be a clear priority.
Darcy AmblerNanaimo